Go Light, Stay
Tough, the Shimano Stradic MgFA
|
Date: |
4/23/07 |
|
Tackle Type: |
Reels |
|
Manufacturer: |
Shimano |
|
Reviewer: |
Zander |
Total Score: 8.35 + BEST VALUE AWARD!
Introduction:
The Shimano Stradic MgFA
is the most affordable magnesium reel in the Shimano lineup, and is designed to
offer anglers all the benefits of an Mg reel without the common drawbacks when
it comes to durability. We examine how well this reel performs versus other
shimano offerings positioned around the Stradic MgFA and what type of angler
should really consider this reel.
|
Shimano
Stradic MgFA 2500
Specifications |
| Line
Capacity (lb/yds) |
6/200,
8/140, 10/120 |
| Gear
Ratio |
6.0:1 |
| Line
retrieve per crank |
33
inches |
|
Weight |
8.4
oz |
|
Bearings |
4BB,
1RB |
|
Additional Features |
Magnesium frame, graphite sideplate, graphite rotor, S-Concept,
A-RB bearings, Fluidrive II, Super Stopper II, Machined
aluminum handle shank, Septon grip, Maintenance port |
|
Origin |
Japan |
| MSRP |
$189.99 |
The Stradic MgFA has a similar
finish to it's predecessor
Impressions:
When most anglers think Magnesium they think light, but another thought that
often comes to mind is also “limitations.” These are the limitations when it
comes to where and when you can fish a magnesium reel, as magnesium doesn’t hold
up well in saltwater. Shimano wants to change all that with the Stradic MgFA,
which makes use of a special protective coating that is designed to withstand
corrosion from harsh environments.
The reel features use of magnesium
for weight reduction
The Stradic MgFA is uniquely
positioned. While it is a member of the Stradic family which rests beneath the
Sustain and above the Symetre, the Mg is one of only two magnesium based
spinning reels in the entire Shimano lineup. Interestingly if you want to step
up from the Stradic MgFA you need to bypass the Sustain series and head straight
for the flagship Stella FB.
A look from the side shows the
reel's sleek design
Real World Test: To
test the Stradic MgFA we head to a number of Northern California lakes including
Berryessa, Mc Clure, and Clear Lake for freshwater tests, and the mouth of the
Delta for brackish water testing.
Zander tests the reel's casting
attributes
In our tests we compared
the Stradic MgFA to a number of other Shimano reels including the standard
Stradic, the Sustain, and even the Stella. By fishing these reels side by side
we could draw a better conclusion of where the Stradic MgFA makes sense, and if
it is really worth the additional money over the standard Stradic.
The front...
Casting: The Stradic
MgFA doesn’t cast any better or worse than the standard Stradic. Both feature a
very even and consistent line lay, and when using a relatively flexible mono
like Trilene XL we didn’t encounter any issues.
The back...
Preparing for the cast
Next Section: Casting continued
